PANAJI: The 5th edition of SCI-FFI 2020 came to an end on Saturday. At the valedictory function, prizes were awarded to the short films that were made prior to the festival during the film making and photography workshop. The first place was awarded to a short film titled ‘Kalyug’ by Kabir Naik from Sharada Mandir High School, second place to ‘The Time Parallax’ by Roshan Singh from Dhempe College of Arts and Science and third place to ‘Tree of Life’ by Pushpak Mashelkar.
Special jury awards were given to short films namely the 'Ignorance…There is still time' by Ismail Shaikh and 'Circumvent' by Sonia Chari.
Chief guest Dr Nakul Parashar, Director, Vigyan Prasar (DST), Government of India, while addressing the gathering congratulated the organisers of SCI- FFI 2020 and the winners of the short film competition.
He said "It was overwhelming to see the interest level of students at the festival. While our government is focussed on educating children, it is festivals like these that help give them a learning direction. It remains a constant effort to bridge the gap between teaching and learning and device new and innovative ways, like SCI- FFI to build the scientific temperament in the future generation."
Also present were Goa Housing Board Development Corporation chairman and MLA Subhash Shirodkar, ESG vice chairman Subhash Phaldesai, professor V V Kamat, vice chancellor (Incharge) and Dean, Goa Business School of Goa University and Dr Eknath Chakurkar, Director, Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, Old Goa were present on the occasion.
Speaking at the valedictory ceremony, Subhash Shirodkar lauded the efforts of the organisers and said that many such skill enhancing and aptitude building festivals should be organised for the benefit of Goan students who can be exposed to the world and be able to decide the right path for themselves. He also stressed on the need to improve the level of science and maths education.
Subhash Phal Desai said "ESG has always been supportive of initiatives that benefit Goans. Through entertainment and film, science can be disseminated and be understood well. I am extremely delighted that ESG and Government of Goa has been pioneering such festivals and we will continue to do so. Congratulations to the organisers, and all those who attended this festival."
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President of Vidnyan Parishad Goa, professor Suhas Godse thanked all the stakeholders for coming forward to make SCI- FFI 2020 a grand success.
He said "Each year we have tried to better ourselves and make this a sought after festival in Goa”. He went on to highlight the various initiatives taken by Vidnyan Parishad in the State of Goa.
He further said "the enthusiasm shown by the students shows that atleast a few will enter into science film making which is one of the aims of organisation this science film festival".
The four-day festival had over 9,500 delegates who watched films, participated in workshops and masterclasses and visited the exhibition that was meant to bring forward the achievements of various research institutions of Goa. Students and teachers appreciated the flawless and successful organisation of this festival and expressed desire to participate in the coming years.
A detailed report of this year’s edition of SCI- FFI 2020 was presented by Abhay Bhamaikar, organising secretary, SCI-FFI 2020. Vidnyan Parishad general secretary Manohar Pednekar proposed a vote of thanks.